The Enhance East Hampshire place making strategy was adopted by full council on Thursday 19 September 2019.

Background

There is not 'one' East Hampshire, but many towns, villages and hamlets which all boast proud identities, diverse characters and distinct attractions.

Together, our natural and man-made environments have made the district one of England’s most beautiful places, with over half the district located in the South Downs National Park.

Indeed, our rich mix of stunning landscapes, fascinating heritage and convenient transport networks to key educational and commercial centres, have all made the district a desirable place in which to live, work and enjoy.

However, amongst the wonders of our rolling hills and historic market towns, there are pockets of deprivation. It is, therefore, vital that we continue to harness and improve our district so that all our residents can enjoy their best quality of life, both physically and mentally.

The strategy

This place-making strategy provides a framework for making the district the attractive place it can, and should, be.

It recognises the value in partnership working so that, together, we can all work to enhance the district to reach its full potential for our residents.

The council will use the strategy to strengthen the connections between people and places; prioritise investment in public places and the built environment; and engage and inspire people to want to live, work and enjoy in the district.

To do this, the council will actively support approaches to place-making through the six recommendations outlined in the strategy.

These recommendations are:

  • to provide political leadership
  • to put in place effective governance and programme management
  • to co-ordinate and make better use of council-owned assets and resources
  • to lever funding to support local priorities and opportunities
  • to develop place narratives and influential place partners
  • to develop action plans for each of the four key hubs.

Next steps

Following the approval of the strategy, the council will now begin to carry out the six recommendations.

Regarding the sixth recommendation, the council will work with the relevant town and parish councils (as well as our public, private and voluntary partners) to develop bespoke action plans for the four focus areas of:

The development of these actions plans will be based on the overarching place-making principles and opportunities identified in the strategy.

Getting in contact

If you wish to contact the council about the Enhance East Hampshire place making strategy and associated workstreams then please email placemaking@easthants.gov.uk or phone 01730 234329.